Jonathan Majors says he was ‘shocked’ and 'afraid' after jury found him guilty of beating Grace Jabbari
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Jonathan Majors, the actor who played Kang the Conqueror in several Marvel films and TV shows, said he was “shocked” and “afraid” when a jury convicted him of assaulting and harassing his ex-girlfriend, Grace Jabbari, in a domestic violence trial.
The 'Ant-Man' star also admitted that he was “reckless with her heart” and said he never struck a woman “ever" in a first interview with ABC News following the guilty verdict.
Jonathan Majors claims he did not cause Grace Jabbari’s injuries
The 'Da 5 Bloods' actor, 34, was arrested and charged following a March 2023 altercation with Jabbari in a for-hire SUV in New York City.
The incident occurred after Jabbari saw a text message from another woman on Majors’ phone, saying, “I wish I was kissing you.”
Jabbari testified in a three-week-long trial which started on November 30, 2023, that she tried to grab his phone and that Majors twisted her arm and hand.
Jabbari said it caused her to fracture her finger. She also showed photos of a cut to her ear and a bruised and swollen finger.
The 'Hostiles' actor denied causing those injuries in the interview which he termed "as part of healing" to share his side of the story as he denied testifying in his defense during the trial.
He said he only held the phone and pulled it back. He said he did not know how Jabbari got hurt and that he wished he knew.
“I wish to god I knew. That would give clarity. That would give me some type of peace about it,” he told the station.
Jonathan Majors says he was ‘reckless with her heart’
Majors also said that picking Jabbari up that day was “one of the biggest mistakes of my life” and that he tried to get rid of her and get away from her.
He said he regretted keeping her in the car and that he was “reckless with her heart.”
“I’m an athlete. I’m a sportsman. I know my body. I know how it moves. I know my strength, or lack thereof, you know? None of that was employed on her,” he said.
He also said he has never hit a woman “ever” and that he was shocked by the verdict which found him guilty of two counts: reckless assault in the third degree, a misdemeanor, and harassment in the second degree, a violation, awaiting sentencing.
He was found not guilty of two counts: intentional assault in the third degree and aggravated harassment in the second degree.
“I’m standing there and the verdict comes down. I say, 'How is that possible based off the evidence, based off the prosecution’s evidence, let alone our evidence? How is that possible?” he said.
Jonathan Majors hopes to work in Hollywood again
Majors’ conviction had a major impact on his career as Marvel dropped him from future productions as the Marvel villain Kang. He was set to return to the role in 'Avengers: Kang Dynasty,' slated for a 2026 release date.
When he learned of the decision, Majors said it was “like the world stopped.” “It’s like you work so hard for things. And then, you know, it’s done,” he said.
However, Majors said he was hopeful that he would work in Hollywood again and that he deserved a second chance. “Heck yeah, I do. I pray I do,” he said, adding “But it’s God’s plan and God’s timing.”
